During the 1980s, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after decades of absence due to attempted extermination in the early part of the 20th century. Within 20 years, not only had the wolf population increased, but there was also a dramatic increase in other species, such as aspen, cottonwood, and willow trees, beavers, warblers, insects, and fish. These changes in Yellowstone Park are examples of how important a(n)________ can be to an ecosystem.

Question

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A keystone species is a species whose presence or absence has a significant impact on the structure and function of an ecosystem. Wolves are considered to be a keystone species in Yellowstone National Park because they help regulate the population of herbivores like elk and deer, which in turn affects the vegetation and other animal populations. The reintroduction of wolves to the park had a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem, leading to an increase in biodiversity and a more balanced ecosystem.

During the 1980s, Wolves Were Reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park